US President Donald Trump has announced an immediate ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing the three media organisations of publishing what he described as “fake news.”
Trump announced the decision on Friday through his Truth Social account, saying the outlets had repeatedly reported what he characterised as “fiction and lies” about his administration and the United States. He also warned that other media organisations could face similar restrictions.
The president later told reporters in the Oval Office that the decision was not triggered by a specific report or incident, but was based on what he called the outlets’ cumulative coverage over the past two years. He also mentioned The New York Times and The Washington Post when asked which other organisations could potentially face restrictions.
The scope of the ban was initially unclear. However, by Saturday morning, MS NOW journalists were reportedly denied entry to the White House after their press access was disabled. It remained unclear whether the restrictions would extend to all White House facilities, briefings, presidential events or the press pool.
CNN rejected the move, saying its White House team would continue its reporting and arguing that journalists have constitutional protection to cover the government without interference. Politico also said it would continue reporting on the Trump administration and defend its First Amendment rights. MS NOW said it would take steps to defend its rights and the role of independent journalism.
The announcement has renewed debate over presidential authority and press access. First Amendment experts and press-freedom organisations have questioned whether a broad exclusion of news organisations based on their coverage could withstand legal scrutiny. The exact scope and implementation of Trump’s directive remained subject to clarification.
